40

40. Kephalaia

T

he Kephalaia (sing., Kephalaion), meaning the headings or central

principles, is a series of chapters of varying length that present

Mani discussing basic Manichaean doctrine with his students.

Iain Gardner provides a good, succinct description of the style of the chapters:

In general they follow a standard pattern wherein a disciple (oc-

casionally an opponent) asks a question of the apostle, the "en-

lightener" (various epithets are used). Usually contextual or

historical detail is missing. The body of the chapter is then taken

up with a summary of doctrine on that particular question

which convinces all listeners; and may then end with a prayer of

praise for Mani and thanks for his revelation.^1

Here two Kephalaia are given, 26 and 38. In Kephalaion 26 Mani tells

five stories or parables about the primal man, the third messenger, and the role

of the living spirit in bringing redemption. In Kephalaion 38 Mani offers a

Manichaean cosmogony. He describes the universe in human form, and he re-

lates the cosmic human to the individual human. Thus the cosmogonic ac-

count, for all its complexity, becomes the story of the individual person living

out his or her life. The gods in the outer zone are remote, transcendent, but the

actions of the light mind are intimate and accessible.

1. Gardner, The Kephalaia of the Teacher, xx-xxi.